Good Teeth: They Don't Have to Be in Your Genes

In addition to restorative treatments, there are multiple preventive treatments that your dentist provides. Some of these procedures can positively affect other areas of your body.

Here are a few preventive dental treatments that may assist with your overall health.

Dental Scaling

A dentist uses a dental scaling to remove tartar accumulations from the teeth. A specialized tool, which is called a scaler, scrapes the calcified plaque from the tooth surfaces.

Since tartar cannot be removed using a toothbrush, professional dental cleanings are required to clear the debris from the tooth enamel. Tartar contains large numbers of oral bacteria. These microbes release bacterial acids as digestive waste. The acids, in turn, eat away the tooth enamel and inflame the gums.

As a result, heavy tartar accumulations can incite gum disease. Minor instances of gum disease may only cause a bit of gingival tenderness and bleeding. However, as the condition progresses, pockets or spaces form between the teeth and the gums. These pockets, which deepen over time, can allow oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream.

Oral microbes in the bloodstream have been associated with heart disease, dementia, and erectile dysfunction. Consequently, regularly removing the bacteria-laden tartar from your teeth can have a significant impact on your overall health.

Oral Cancer Screenings

During routine examinations, your dentist looks for abnormalities in your mouth. As they examine the soft tissues, they check for discoloration, abnormal growths, and differences in tissue texture. If an abnormality is found, the dentist may suggest a biopsy to ensure that no cancer is present.

If oral cancer is found, early treatment can help ensure a favorable outcome. However, oral cancer that goes undetected may spread to other areas of the body, causing additional issues.

Cancer that metastasizes may be more difficult to treat.

Dental Sealants

Dentists may also apply dental sealants to lessen your chance of developing decay in your back teeth. The molars tend to develop cavities more frequently than the other teeth. The chewing surfaces of the molars are deeply grooved, allowing bacteria and plaque to become caught in the grooves and pits.

As cavities develop and deepen, they may breach the innermost layer of the tooth, which is called the pulp. The pulp includes the tooth's blood supply. Without the enamel to block the entry of bacteria into the pulp, the microbes may enter the patient's bloodstream, where they can cause systemic issues.

To schedule a routine dental checkup, contact the office of a dentist in your local area.